If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Panting, can this be pain

Hello all, my little Todo had severe pain late last year which was operated on ( fenestration ). His improvement was very slow, and lately he has started to go back to the same problems. He can be withdrawn, unsettled, sits close to the radiator, then cools down, but he can sit there on the night panting, which I an taking as he is in discomfort. I have 3 other dogs and they do not suffer, so it can't be the heating, we bring him water, he doesn't want that.
The vet did discuss an ventral slot operation. I am not keen to put him through that, but my wife who is with him all day says he is definately going back over. She had been scared by reading and being told that dogs can tolerate pain / discomfort, then one day they just give up fighting. I wan to give him the best chance I can, he is such a special friend.

I think you need to get specialist support here -- he sounds in a lot of pain and that needs to be assessed so you can make some informed choices on care.

I do recall that there was a long discussion here on symptoms and his diagnosis before, and a few of us thought he really needed assessment by a neurologist familiar with syringomyelia. I can only say that I would once again stress this as an important option, and add that I think this is a a very urgent need, given that you have seen a return of the discomfort and problems. I would do this before even considering allowing further surgery of any sort by a vet. The surgeries may be causing the decline if he has SM, as they could cause additional pain and difficulty.

I just have a gut feeling the wrong condition was treated -- but either way he needs professional assessment and care especially painkillers most immediately. Let us know what you learn.

I agree with Karlin. I think an urgent visit to the vet for pain killers would be the first thing I would do then ask to see a consultant.

I made a youtube of something I do for Dylan. I found this helped relax Dylan when he was distressed or uncomfortable. It usually made him so relaxed he'd be snoring within a minute. On this film however he was eager to go do something else. Anyway it might help a little, can't hurt trying.

I agree with Karlin. I think an urgent visit to the vet for pain killers would be the first thing I would do then ask to see a consultant.

I made a youtube of something I do for Dylan. I found this helped relax Dylan when he was distressed or uncomfortable. It usually made him so relaxed he'd be snoring within a minute. On this film however he was eager to go do something else. Anyway it might help a little, can't hurt trying.

Thats really interesting Pauline. I'm guessing that you are rubbing a reflexology spot?
I met a man in the park the other day, whose CKCS also has SM, he told me that he rubs the dogs' ear to help calm him down when he is in pain. I will have to try it for Bosco.

Thats really interesting Pauline. I'm guessing that you are rubbing a reflexology spot?
I met a man in the park the other day, whose CKCS also has SM, he told me that he rubs the dogs' ear to help calm him down when he is in pain. I will have to try it for Bosco.

It's more of a firm but gentle squeeze between two fingers.

Notice the same point on a human is for nervousness. Not saying it takes away SM pain but it calms.

With Tellington Touch you rub gently down the ears, one ear at a time and supporting the head and ear with the other hand, it is very effective at calming a dog, especially useful at the vets This is similar to what Pauline is doing with Dylan, and obviously effective for him too.

If he has had an MRI then I don;t think you need another. But I'd want a second opinion on that 'clear' diagnosis and also: to try CMSM meds to see if CM is causing the pain (it could b the issue).

I'd suggest sending it to Dr Clare Rusbridge for a second opinion. That will only cost 35 pounds for basic report I think. You can read information here on what to do.

If she doesn't see anything and doesn;t think it could possibly be CM then maybe it is time to discuss surgery. I think there were lots of suggestions on things you might try first on your old thread? But really: I think youd want to try treating for CM first as almost every cavalier has it. But do have Clare reassess your MRI first.

If he is in pain, you do want most urgently, to get him onto appropriate painkillers to bring some relief.

With Tellington Touch you rub gently down the ears, one ear at a time and supporting the head and ear with the other hand, it is very effective at calming a dog, especially useful at the vets This is similar to what Pauline is doing with Dylan, and obviously effective for him too.

Yes I started with Tellington Touch, very useful, check it out on youtube.

But, Like Karlin says, he needs pain meds urgently. I only suggested acupressure as an interim.

Oliver had ventral slot decompression for herniated cervical discs just this past December. He was in constant pain even with enforced rest, painkillers and steroids before the surgery (we thought it was his back) and is doing absolutely great right now - totally pain free. However, we went to a neurologist to evaluate his pain. The orthopedic specialist he was seeing for his back actually referred us to the neurologist. Oliver had an MRI to rule out syringomyelia as the cause of his pain. That is when they found that he has no syrinxes, so no SM, but he had herniated discs in his neck that were putting a lot of pressure on his spinal cord. His neurologist felt that he couldn't really give an accurate diagnosis or treatment plan without evaluating for SM first. Even though Oliver is almost 9 years old, he came through the MRI and his surgery with flying colors. The neurologist did the surgery.

Please take Karlin's advice and get Todo to a neurologist, soon. He doesn't have to be in so much pain. This way you can also be sure that the right condition is treated. If it is determined that Todo needs ventral slot decompression, you can PM me to talk about Oliver's surgery and recovery. Good luck.